Chapter 937: Playing to Your Strengths
Chapter 937: Playing to Your Strengths
Having just finished his lesson on Disillusionment Charms, Albert trailed behind a group of dejected students as they made their way back to Hogwarts Castle.
"I think Snape was giving you some funny looks," George murmured, lowering his voice.
"Just ignore him. Even if he stares holes into me, it won't make a difference," Albert waved off their concerns. Ever since he had politely declined Snape's offer of "extra tutoring," the Potions Master had been giving him less-than-friendly glances.
Well, to be fair, Snape had never been particularly friendly to anyone outside of Slytherin.
But he wouldn't cause trouble for Albert because of that.
Of course, even if he wanted to, it was unlikely he'd be able to. Snape was probably well aware of that, and since there was no major conflict between them, there was no need to make a mountain out of a molehill. So, the matter was allowed to rest.
"Only you would dare to treat him with such disregard," Fred chuckled. "Anyone else would be scared half to death."
Lee Jordan glanced surreptitiously at Snape, who was standing not too far away, and shrugged. "What else can we do?"
"Be careful he doesn't overhear you. He might find an excuse to put you in detention," Fred warned.
"You're not wrong there," Lee agreed.
Fred, George, and Lee Jordan no longer attended Potions class, and as long as they didn't joke around in front of Snape, he had no reason to bother them.
And so, the matter of "extra tutoring" was also laid to rest.
That afternoon, Albert arrived punctually at Professor Flitwick's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in and take a seat, Mr. Anderson. Would you like something to drink?" Professor Flitwick asked in his high-pitched voice.
"Some tea, please," Albert replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from the professor.
"I suppose you're wondering what sort of combat techniques I intend to teach you, aren't you?" Professor Flitwick said, as if reading Albert's mind. "Everyone has their own style of fighting. For instance, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall are more adept at using Transfiguration magic to deal with their enemies, while I favor the use of charms. As for you, I believe you have several advantages, and today, we shall discuss those advantages. Understanding and capitalizing on your strengths is the key to rapidly improving your combat prowess."
"Advantages?" Albert echoed.
"I've noticed your exceptional skill with nonverbal spells," Professor Flitwick continued, handing Albert a cup of steaming tea. "Most witches and wizards are unable to cast nonverbal spells as effortlessly as you do. I'm sure you're aware of the benefits of this skill?"
"Your opponent doesn't know what magic you're about to use," Albert added silently to himself. "It's perfect for ambushing someone."
Indeed, Albert had been utilizing this tactic quite effectively, pairing nonverbal spells with Disillusionment Charms to sneak up on unsuspecting Hogwarts students. It was a highly effective strategy against novices.
"You're absolutely right," Professor Flitwick agreed. "Nonverbal spells give you the element of surprise and offer a significant advantage in magical duels. Especially when mastered by exceptional witches and wizards, they can be used to preemptively counter and interrupt an opponent's spellcasting."
"How do you counter someone else's spellcasting? Is there a special technique for that?" Albert asked. While he could indeed interrupt others' spells, his skill was only average.
"Make a note of that, and I'll teach you next time," Professor Flitwick said, continuing, "I can tell that your magical power is extraordinarily strong. To be frank, your magical power is likely among the highest ever seen in a Hogwarts student, and that, too, is an advantage. It means that certain spells will have an amplified effect when cast by you."
"Stunning Spells? Full Body-Bind Curse?" Albert suggested.
"Precisely," the professor nodded. "When cast by someone with your level of power, even a simple Stunning Spell can easily knock someone out or render them immobile, eliminating their ability to fight back. Whether it's Dark magic or a standard spell, as long as it defeats your enemy and removes them from the fight, it has served its purpose." Professor Flitwick believed that once Albert came into his own, he would undoubtedly become a wizard of Dumbledore's caliber.
Albert nodded noncommittally, indicating that he understood, though in truth, he had already been utilizing this strategy, keenly aware of his own strength.
"But what if I were to come up against a powerful wizard who could effortlessly break or block all my spells?" Albert countered. "Surely you're aware that some spells can be easily blocked, and no matter how powerful or fast the casting is, it makes no difference."
As he spoke, Albert raised his wand and twirled it, casting a semi-transparent barrier over the teacup on the table. Ordinary spells couldn't penetrate this protective shield, but Dark magic could, albeit with a significant reduction in power.
"That's... indeed true," Professor Flitwick conceded, "but I think with your power, you should be able to achieve the same effect with a Blasting Curse. There are plenty of powerful Dark spells in the restricted section of the library, but in my opinion, they're not as useful as many weaker spells. The more powerful a Dark spell is, the more limitations and risks are associated with its use."
"I think it's more important to find spells that suit your style, but that does present a problem," Albert mused.
"I suggest you focus on developing your skills with advanced magic," Professor Flitwick said, eyeing the shielded teacup.
This, in itself, was an advanced application of charms.
It was a testament to Albert's proficiency in this area.
Suddenly, Professor Flitwick understood why Albert had sought his guidance in combat techniques.
However, he intended to finish what he'd set out to say, offering Albert a path to follow. He didn't want Albert's pursuit of power to lead him too far down the path of Dark magic.
"Do you know how the Ministry of Magic typically deals with powerful Dark wizards?" the professor asked.
"Numbers advantage?" Albert guessed. "I've heard they group together in tight formations and attack their enemies en masse."
"That's correct," Professor Flitwick nodded. "If you're hit with a barrage of Stunning Spells cast by a large group, even a powerful Dark wizard, or even a dragon, would be brought down."
"That tactic might be impressive," Albert said, "but I don't think it would work against a truly skilled wizard. Someone like Dumbledore could easily deflect those spells with a Protego Totalum."
After all, even Albert had been able to withstand the onslaught of spells cast by Fred, George, and Lee Jordan.
Professor Flitwick was at a loss for words.
"Mr. Anderson, is your nemesis perhaps Lord Voldemort?" the professor asked tentatively.
"Yes, I think we should treat all enemies as strangers, so we don't stumble along the way," Albert said earnestly.
Professor Flitwick fell silent once more, pondering the boy's words. "Perhaps in a decade or so, when your experience and magical power peak, you might reach that level. But for now, if you can attain the level I currently possess, you should be able to handle the vast majority of Dark Wizards." The professor's words carried a weighty implication.
Albert was, of course, aware of all this and had never expected to achieve everything overnight. He listened quietly as Professor Flitwick continued, intending to guide him towards a better understanding of his strengths.
"Your advantages are considerable," the professor asserted, "If you learn to utilize them effectively, the vast majority of wizards unfamiliar with you will be in for a rude awakening. Even I wouldn't be exempt from that."
Albert was well aware of his strengths, but it was always interesting to hear another's perspective, as everyone viewed things differently. Perhaps there were advantages he hadn't considered, or unique insights that Professor Flitwick could offer.
"I hear you're quite adept at wandless magic as well," the professor inquired.
"I wouldn't say adept, but I can manage it," Albert replied, lifting a hand and pointing at the teacup. It slowly rose into the air, floating above the table.
"Now that is a significant advantage," Professor Flitwick acknowledged, his eyes fixed on the floating cup. "Most witches and wizards rely on their wands to channel magic, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of their spells. Transfiguration and Charms are particularly difficult to perform wandlessly. As such, most will be wary of your wand, but they won't expect your other hand to be a threat. It will catch your opponents off-guard, and when you do use it, make sure to incapacitate them swiftly."
"I'll keep that in mind," Albert nodded.
"And another advantage you possess is your age," the professor added. "The vast majority of wizards will underestimate you because of your youth and status. This, too, is a layer of protection for you."
In Professor Flitwick's eyes, Albert's advantages were substantial. If he learned to leverage them effectively, most unfamiliar witches and wizards would be in for a rude awakening, and the professor himself wouldn't be exempt from that fate.
However, Albert felt that these advantages might not work against Fake Moody, as the man had witnessed his strength firsthand and was no fool. If he truly intended to kill Albert, he wouldn't take the task lightly.
If he were Fake Moody, he would hide in the shadows, biding his time before striking with an Avada Kedavra to take him out.
"Now, let's talk about Dark Magic," Professor Flitwick said, lowering his voice. "To be frank, Dumbledore isn't too fond of us teaching students about such things. But if you truly aim to counter Dark Magic, you must have some understanding of it. How much do you know already?"
"The Curses of Poison, Evil, and Doom fall under 'Dark Curses', and among these, the ones used to harm, control, or kill victims are referred to as Dark Magic," Albert explained. "The strength of Dark Magic is influenced by the caster's magical power and their determination to take a life." While he didn't use such magic himself, Albert did have some knowledge of it.
"That's mostly correct," Professor Flitwick elaborated. "Dark Magic is a broad term that encompasses spells and actions intended to harm others. It includes powerful Unforgivable Curses, the brewing of harmful or poisonous potions, and the breeding of dark creatures. Such acts are typically illegal in the wizarding world, and those who practice them are known as Dark Wizards."
"Of course, your understanding is correct as well," the professor continued. "To wield Dark Magic effectively, one must be ruthless, and this often leads practitioners down a dark path. This is one of the reasons Dumbledore discourages students from delving into Dark Magic. But let me offer you a word of advice: treat Dark Magic with caution and discrimination."
"Under no circumstances should you attempt to take a life. That is the most heinous act, and it erodes one's respect for life. The cruelty and callousness exhibited by Dark Wizards often stem from their frequent use of Dark Magic and their disregard for life, as you mentioned."
"While I may not agree with all your sentiments, you are correct that killing is one of the most evil acts, leading to a disregard for life and fostering cruelty," Albert acknowledged with a nod.
"Very well, it seems we've reached a preliminary understanding regarding Dark Magic."
"To deal with Dark Wizards, my advice is to incapacitate them, rendering them utterly unable to resist, and then hand them over to the Ministry to spend the rest of their lives in Azkaban," Professor Flitwick continued. "You have an advantage in this regard, as your formidable magical power should enable you to subdue an opponent with ease."
"Of course, I think it would be useful to learn a few Dark Magic spells, as long as you don't abuse them," the professor said. "Even the Aurors at the Ministry sometimes use Dark Magic to subdue enemies, but remember this – stay away from the Unforgivable Curses." It was a stern warning.
"What Dark Magic do you think is the most practical?" Albert asked.
"The Blasting Curse," the professor replied without hesitation. "It has a high ceiling and floor in terms of power, and its versatility makes it well-suited to your style." He had no intention of teaching Albert anything too dangerous.
Albert nodded, indicating that he would heed this advice.
"I'll teach you how to use that curse next time, and perhaps it will spark some inspiration for you," Professor Flitwick decided. He intended to assess Albert's current abilities in their next session. "Is there anything else you wish to learn?"
"I want to learn a curse that can block most Dark Magic," Albert said bluntly. "Protego doesn't work that well. While it can block most spells, it's not that effective against those evil Dark Magic spells."
If possible, Albert also wanted to learn more protective magic from Professor Flitwick. He suspected that Dumbledore knew quite a few such spells, and he planned to find an opportunity to sneakily learn a thing or two from the headmaster.
To be honest, Albert felt that his repertoire of defensive magic was a bit lacking, and the restricted section of the library had very few books on similar protective spells.
"There aren't many protective spells that can ward off Dark Magic," the professor acknowledged, "but I have a solution to that problem. I'll teach you how to manage it next time. We can head to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor and give it a try. You know the room, don't you? I use it occasionally myself."
"That sounds good," Albert replied. "I'll remember to bring my wand, and when we enter, I'll focus on the need for a place to practice magic." Professor Flitwick and Albert agreed on a time and place for their next meeting.
(End of Chapter)
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